Signs You Might Have Chemical Sensitivity Disorder
People who have multiple chemical sensitivity disorder (MCS) experience reactions after exposure to low levels of chemicals found in everyday objects such as carpet, plastic, perfume and paint, among others. The substances that can trigger MCS reactions are seemingly endless, making it challenging to pin down and eliminate irritants. What’s more, those who have MCS are likely to have sensitivities to multiple substances. This can make it difficult to identify and treat the condition. Some skeptics even question the existence of MCS, leaving sufferers feeling isolated in a world that increasingly exposes them to the very things that are harming their health.
Multiple chemical sensitivity disorder (MCS) is a too often misunderstood condition that presents with symptoms such as headaches, sinus problems, digestive issues, memory problems, joint pain and lethargy. It may also present with symptoms commonly associated with allergies, such as wheezing, burning eyes, sore throat and rash. While the exact cause of MCS is unknown, there are a few theories that try to explain it. Could it be troubling you or someone you love?
Symptoms of MCS
A wide variety of symptoms have been associated with MCS, and they often vary from person to person. To complicate things further, symptoms may mimic those of other conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. For these reasons and more, people with MCS may be misdiagnosed and/or met with skepticism when trying to get help. Known symptoms can include any or all of the following:
- Eye irritation
- Wheezing
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Poor concentration/memory
- Runny nose
- Sinus issues
- Sore throat
- Skin rashes
- Light sensitivity
- Sleep disturbances
- Digestive issues
- Joint pain
These symptoms generally appear after exposure to the allergen or trigger. Since these symptoms can point to a variety of medical conditions, it’s important to uncover the pattern of exposure to the trigger and the appearance of the subsequent symptoms to make a clear diagnosis.
Possible Causes of MCS
The causes of MCS are unclear. However, there are some (as yet untested) theories that seek to explain how the condition arises. Since sufferers often develop allergies to a number of unrelated toxins, the cause is also thought to be more systemic in nature. Theories include:
- Enzyme Depletion - A depleted number of enzymes in the liver makes it impossible to filter toxins out of the body.
- Conditioning - MCS may be an induced illness.
- Immune System Damage - A damaged immune system may lead to increased sensitivity to all kinds of triggers.
As mentioned, none of these theories are proven or even tested at his point. In fact, many medical professionals still debate the existence of the condition as separate from other known conditions, which means that concrete information may not be coming any time soon. It could be that these symptoms aren't their own disorder but are instead a complication of a different condition or multiple conditions.
Options for People with MCS
Currently, there are no evidence-based treatments available for MCS beyond the avoidance of the triggering substances. People who have the condition can try to avoid their triggers, but because there can be multiple triggers, this practice may seriously impact their quality of life. For now, most treatments revolve around mindfulness and/or cognitive therapy. However, there is no evidence that this approach is much help, either.
Our hearts go out to readers facing this problem as it doesn't seem that at present there is a lot of help available. Of course, we want to encourage sufferers to talk to a doctor about any symptoms. But it also seems like careful tracking and record-keeping might be the most important first step of all. Keeping track of what causes reactions may be the only way to hone in on the culprits and find relief. And for those who are dismissed by a doctor? Don't give up, go get a second or third opinion until you can find some help. It may be a challenge, but it's not impossible.
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